Getting Practical

Acts 6:1-7  "Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. ² And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait at tables.³ Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task,⁴ while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.’ ⁵ What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. ⁶ They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.⁷ The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith."

Christians often need to organize themselves.  This needs to happen because, without any organization, certain practical matters won't get taken care of.  The passage above from Acts 6 shows how the first Christians handled this matter.  They set aside 7 people of their group and appointed them to a practical task.

The new ministry in Cokato where I have been serving as pastor* is at the point where there is a need for better organization.  A "transitional board" will be elected soon.

The procedure will be as follows:

1. People are being invited to make a commitment to Crossroads Community Church for 2011.  Some have already signed the commitment, others will do so in the next few weeks.  See Past the Launch for a few more details on the commitment
   
2. The current Crossroads leadership (the so-called "launch team") is praying and talking together about the possible duties of a 7 member "transitional board" and other practical matters.  The plan is that the transitional board will be elected by those who have made a 2011 commitment to Crossroads.
   
3. After worship on Sunday May 1st, the launch team will host a potluck and an interest meeting for those who are considering making this commitment and those who have already signed.   At the meeting we will discuss the commitment, the process for electing a 7 member transitional board, lay out possible duties of that board and other practical matters.
   
4. After worship Sunday May 15th a meeting will be held where those who have made the commitment will elect the transitional board.  The transitional board will deal with organizational, financial and other matters, including possible affiliation with a church association or denomination.  This will free up the rest of us to focus on "prayer and serving the Word."
   

Questions and comments?  Please don't keep them to yourself.  Email or call me (steve@equalsharing.com 763-291-3477) if you would like to know who is on the launch team, or email crossroadscokato@gmail.com.

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* I began serving Crossroads on March 16 in a six month term as a part time "interim" pastor.

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